July 2007 Archives

Federal Conservative constituency associations in British Columbia took in almost twice the amount of individual monetary contributions as their Liberal counterparts in 2006. According to Elections Canada, the Tories received at least $420,287.43 in such contributions from their supporters - $197,318.51 more than the Grits, who raised $222,968.49. This, despite the fact the financial transactions returns for nine Conservative ridings in this province aren't yet available online. Meanwhile, the 32 New Democrat constituency associations with available returns have declared $288,749.92 in contributions.

In the category of former provincial Liberal political aides bending the ears of their former bosses, Public Eye is pleased to provide another example: last month, Burrard Communications Inc. associate Forrest Parlee, a former executive assistant to then children and family development ministers Christy Clark and Stan Hagen, registered to lobby the provincial government on behalf of TransLink. Also representing the Lower Mainland transportation authority is Mr. Parlee's present employer, Mark Marissen.

Community Living British Columbia's chief executive officer Rick Mowles has rolled out significant changes to the way the provincial government authority delivers its services. Under the previous model, which was put into place in 2005, work that had been done by social workers was split between so-called "facilitators" and "quality service analysts." Facilitators became responsible for developing support plans for the developmentally disabled, while analysts were charged with approving those plans. But, according to special needs advocate Dawn Steele, an operational changes memo obtained exclusively by Public Eye appears to abandon aspects of that model.

Earlier, we reported on Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole's concern about the "undue influence" of "big corporations" who sponsor the Pacific Northwest Economic Region - a council that brings together private and public sector leaders to promote "the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region." But this isn't the first time private sector involvement in such get-togethers has come under criticism.

Provocateur Michael Moore filmed Sicko to "try and do something" about America's "corrupt" private healthcare system. But it seems some activists in this province are trying to use Mr. Moore's documentary to stop something from happening to British Columbia's public healthcare system. Since the film opened in Victoria, South Island Health Coalition members have been distributing pamphlets outside screenings of Sicko, encouraging moviegoers to help them "protect and enhance" that system. In an interview with Public Eye, the group's co-chair Carol Pickup, a retired Saanich councillor, explained, "Our main purpose is to demonstrate that we certainly don't want to go down the road of the American health system. I think it's very obvious it's the worst health system in the world in that it doesn't cover about 50 million people. And even people with money - if they get a catastrophic illness - they can go bankrupt and get into real difficulty."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole shares his concern about the Pacific Northwest Economic Region council. Legendary broadcaster Rafe Mair will be discussing his new talk show. And Vancouver Quadra federal New Democrat candidate Rebecca Coad talks about her candidacy. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

The Vancouver Sun's Victoria correspondent Miro Cernetig will be "returning to the Sun newsroom to write a regular column on Urban Policies and the Lower Mainland." This, according to an email distributed to the broadsheet's staffers. "The column will examine how the people and the decision-making at all levels of government affect our cities and lives," the email continues. "It will touch on cultural and economic influences and provide insight into how we are viewed by those on the Pacific Rim and in other parts of Canada." Mr. Cernetig, who will assume his new responsibilities in the fall, has been covering provincial politics for the Sun since 2005. The following is a copy of the aforementioned email.

Former provincial New Democrat advanced education, training and technology minister Tom Perry says his party's decision to support the Tsawwassen Treaty isn't "courageous." Speaking with Public Eye, Dr. Perry explained, "I think that, politically, it's very dangerous for the NDP to turn it's back on a heritage of really important ideas which have won it the respect of the public. There are very few political ideas that define the NDP in British Columbia. If one asks oneself what they are, one is the agricultural land reserve" - an idea which is undermined by the treaty.

Earlier, we reported on interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett's controversial suggestion his party should reverse its policy against accepting corporate donations. But at least one of those running in the race to replace him thinks that's a bad idea. Speaking with Public Eye, Ben West said, "It's fair to say that I don't think the Green Party needs to change its donation policy...Even the Conservative Party of Canada has changed the laws so no party in Canada can take donations federally from any entity other than an individual. And I think that should be the case in B.C. We're the only party in B.C. that's doing that right now. And I think the rest of them should too."

The Campbell administration's conversation on health was meant to give ordinary British Columbians a say in the future of the province's healthcare system. But unions representing workers in that system aren't the only special interest groups encouraging conversation participation. Earlier this year, pharamceutical company Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. setup a Website to do just that. Not surprisingly, the testimonials featured on that Website focus on those who have benefited from or are advocating for expanded Pharmacare coverage. For example, Lawrie's Story
tells the tale of a 68-year old Chilliwack resident who has been "trying to find out why BC doesn't cover the cost" of the medication he takes to "keep his blood pressure in check and lower his cholesterol."

Speaking on Public Eye Radio this past weekend, provincial Green leadership candidate Silvaine Zimmerman took a swipe at interim party grand poobah Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett's media relations advice. Said Ms. Zimmerman, "I know he has said to us in the past that the way to get in the news is to say things that are controversial. And I think he's right about that. But I'm not sure if that is a really good strategy actually. Because it does create internal controversy." And, coincidentally, Mr. Bennett may have done just that in a posting on his blog at 6:00 this morning.

The provincial government still isn't saying whether its new top climate action bureaucrat has any environmental credentials. Earlier this month, Public Eye exclusively told you the Western Canada Wilderness Committee sent a letter to Campbell administration asking for "biographical information…relating to Mr. (Graham) Whitmarsh's demonstrated policy understanding of key climate change issues and his track record on managing key cross-government projects." But, in his response to that letter, public service agency deputy minister James Gorman doesn't include any such information.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District may be adding its name to the growing list of local governments who have hired lobbyists to liase with the Campbell administration. Last week, the district posted a request for expresssions of interest on BC Bid for a "professional public affairs advocacy and communications services" company to "bring about effective legislation for watershed protection on crown and private managed forest lands within watersheds." According to the document, the company would "in consultation with SCRD staff and legal counsel, assist in writing letters and lobbying provincial government to achieve our goals and objectives."

Earlier this week, Premier Gordon Campbell waxed eloquent about the Pacific Northwest Economic Region - an organization that brings together private and public sector leaders to promote "the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region." Speaking with The Globe and Mail's Gary Mason, Premier Campbell called the economic region, which met in Alaska this week, "the future of governance. Too often institutional inertia holds you back from doing things. The only way to move forward is to get together a group of people of like minds and say, ‘Let's act.'" But it seems Montana public service commissioner Ken Toole isn't as enthusiastic.

The province's public liquor stores are big money makers for the Campbell administration. Despite increased competition from the private competitors, the liquor distribution branch is still estimated to take in $810 million in fiscal 2007/08. But it seems the government doesn't want any help boosting that business.

A federal election isn't expected anytime soon. And that's good news for the Liberals, who raised just $531,141 in the first quarter of 2007 - ten times less than Tories. Nevertheless, the Grit still appear to be slouching toward Ottawa in the hopes of being reborn. The latest election readiness news: the party is scheduling training sessions for ManagElect, their voter identification system. The following is a complete copy of the invite to those sessions.

Earlier, we reported British government made a draft of its Climate Change Bill available for public comment. But, if the past is the best predictor of the future, the Campbell administration may have good reason for not following that example. The reason: back in January 2003, the ministry of sustainable resource management launched a similar process for its proposed Working Forest Initiative. That process included the release of a discussion paper detailing that initiative. And what was the result? Well, thanks to the efforts of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, the government received 2,692 written submissions - 97 percent of which opposed the policy. Ouch.

Former Campbell administration deputy minister and provincial Liberal president Andrew Wilkinson continues to expand his list of clients at McCarthy Tetrault LLP. According to the provincial government's lobbyist registry, last month Mr. Wilkinson - who is sits on the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement's dispute resolution panel - began representing the interests of RCI Capital Group Inc. in British Columbia. A 2001 description of the company states RCI "is a federally incorporated Canadian private company with wholly owned Canadian subsidiaries involved in international trade, real estate and financial services. RCI is headquartered Vancouver, British Columbia, and has additional offices in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. We have also maintained operations in the People's Republic of China (PRC) through permanent offices in Beijing and Shanghai since 1996."

Earlier, provincial Green leadership hopeful Silvaine Zimmerman proposed sharing the party's top job with fellow candidate Ben West. But it seems Mr. West doesn't support Ms. Zimmerman's co-leadership plan. In an email to Public Eye, the Green's former outreach coordinator writes, "It is up to the party to determine the structure of our party but personally I think we need to maintain a clear single leader structure." That being said, though, Mr. West welcomed Ms. Zimmerman's complimentary comments about his candidacy.

Remember the controversial independent commission to review MLA compensation? You know, the panel that recommended a 29 percent base salary increase and a generous defined benefit pension plan. Well, have you ever wondered how much commissioners Sue Paish, Sandra Robinson and Josiah Wood were paid to develop those recommendations? So have we. And here's the answer: according to the legislative assembly's recently released supplier payments for fiscal 2006-07, the government transferred $50,000 to each of them. The committee was given 90 days to complete its work.

Back in March, the British government released a draft of its proposed Climate Change Bill "so that everyone - whether in business or in schools or private citizens - can have their say" about the legislation. This, according to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs David Miliband. So some environmentalists in this province are wondering whether the Campbell administration will provide a similar opportunity prior to introducing its own greenhouse gas fighting legislation. It's been suggested that won't happen. But it's also understood the government may be considering launching a Website were British Columbians will be able to discuss climate change solutions.

Last week, we exclusively told you the Campbell administration is apparently supporting a controversial plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine with workers from China. Speaking on Public Eye Radio yesterday morning, British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair said that support is partially explained by the fact the provincial government wants "to get more economic development in certain areas." That being said though, Mr. Sinclair added, "When companies yell at this government, they jump. It doesn't matter whether it's changing the rules for forest companies or changing the rules for mining companies. Whatever it is, they are more interested in making sure Howe Street and those guys are happier than workers." Which is why, according to Mr. Sinclair, then Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett spoke to the federal government about the mine's staffing plans.

Last week, interim provincial Green leader Christopher Ian "Wonder Boy" Bennett, urged those seeking the party's top job to "move the party to the middle on some policies" and make inroads with the business community. This, according to a report by The Globe and Mail's Laura Drake. But at least one of those leadership candidates was less than enthusiastic about Mr. Bennett's message. Speaking on Public Eye Radio yesterday morning, former Green campaign co-chair Silvaine Zimmerman said she thinks the interim leader made that statement just to grab a headline. "I know he has said to us in the past that the way to get in the news is to say things that are controversial. And I think he's right about that. But I'm not sure if that is a really good strategy actually. Because it does create internal controversy."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, provincial Green leadership contender Silvaine Zimmerman discusses her run for the party's top job. Saanich-Gulf Islands federal New Democrat hopeful Julian West shares his thoughts on a recent attempt to make sure the Greens don't run a candidate in that riding. And British Columbia Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair weighs in on the Campbell administration's apparent support for a plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine with workers from China. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bernard Schulmann, Alex Tsakumis and Bob Russell - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Earlier, we reported on then Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett's private display of affection toward Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.'s Gething Coal Project, which included talking to the federal government about the company's controversial plan to staff the proposed mine with workers from China. But the Campbell administration doesn't seem to be nearly as enthusiastic about such plans when communicating to its opponents.

Canadian Dehua International Mines Group Inc.'s controversial plan to staff a proposed underground coal mine in northeastern British Columbia with workers from China appears to have the support of the Campbell administration. This, according to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request.

The Canadian Back Institute Ltd. Partnership, a Toronto-based rehabilitation services company, is looking for business opportunities in British Columbia's healthcare system, Public Eye has learned. The institute, which employs 2,300 clinical and support staff across Canada, was unable to comment on its activities by publication time. But the provincial government has confirmed the company is marketing itself to at least one health authority. In an email, health communications manager Sarah Plank confirmed the institute has approached the Vancouver Island Health Authority to "discuss ways to enhance patient services around rehabilitation/physiotherapy and how patients move through the system. The health authority has not entered into any contracts with this company, nor have any contracts been tendered." Moreover, "any services provided by a third-party supplier would have to go through a formal tendering process."

So what does Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's office have to say about city clerk Syd Baxter's controversial email - which was first reported by Public Eye. Well, in an interview with your humble organ, the mayor's communication director David Hurford. "We support Syd 100 percent. He's got a great track record of community service. He serves the city well everday. He's admitted to this error. He's taken responsibility for it right away. He's done the right thing by apologizing for it...And we hope Syd will be getting on with the level of service that we've become accustom to. And he serves all councillors very well. Syd is a very non-partisan guy in terms of his day-to-day work."

Earlier, we exclusively reported on Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter's accusation that British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs was "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In an interview with Public Eye, Mr. Baxter said he notified Vancouver's elected officials about that accusation - which was included in a personal email accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors. And it just so happens your humble organ has obtained that notification. The following is a complete copy.

British Columbia Federation of Labour executive director Geoff Meggs is demanding an apology from Vancouver city clerk Syd Baxter. This, after Mr. Baxter, accused Mr. Meggs of "engineering" a potential strike by civic workers. In a personal email, which was accidentally sent to the Coalition of Progressive Electors on July 12, Mr. Baxter writes "We are going through usual BC politics at the expense of the civic workers. Ask any one of the staff why they are striking and they don't know. Truly, no exaggeration. CUPE and I have no doubt Geoff Meggs and company are engineering this across the region. No work is being done as staff contemplate this."

Last week, we reported the ministry of children and family development's draft action plan had been distributed to leadership team for discussion. But what does that plan - which has also been circulated to some members of the children and family development community - actually say. Good question. And we have the answer. The following is a complete copy of the text of that document, which was obtained by Public Eye.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former Vancouver-Point Grey provincial Green candidate Damian Kettlewell discusses his bid for the party leadership. Dogwood Initiative executive director Will Horter reacts to the nomination of Andrew Lewis as the federal Green candidate in Saanich-Gulf Islands. And David Coon, policy director for the New Brunswick Conservation Council, talks about what's being done in the Maritime provinces to combat climate change. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Bill Tieleman, Alex Tsakumis and Bob Russell - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Earlier this week, provincial Green interim leader Christopher Ian Bennett candidly revealed that, while attending a party function at prominent environmentalist David Suzuki's house, "I asked his wife where the BBQ and Hot Dogs were. I didn't realize that EVERYONE was vegan, except me!" So it seems only appropriate the Greens are launching their leadership race next week in the "Hy Ainstadt (sic) Room" at Simon Fraser University's Harbour Centre. This, according to a media advisory sent out yesterday. Of course, properly spelled, that would be the Hy Aisenstat Room, named for the founder of Hy's Steakhouse chain. The following is a complete copy of that advisory.

Earlier, Public Eye reported federal Green climate change critic Guy Dauncey is one of six activists asking party members to, in effect, not run a candidate in Saanich-Gulf Islands. But worries that a Green candidate could split the vote on the left isn't the activists only concern. They're also alleging party members weren't given "proper notice" of the riding's nomination meeting - which is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday. In fact, in a separate email sent to Green leaders, cardholder Harald Wolf writes he is "concerned about the secrecy and lack of transparency in the convening of the nomination meeting and AGM for the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding."

Federal Green climate change critic and prominent environmentalist Guy Dauncey is one of six activists urging party members to vote "None of the Above" at their upcoming Saanich-Gulf Islands nomination meeting - scheduled for this coming Saturday. The reason: according to an open letter distributed by Dogwood Initiative executive director Will Horter, "The candidates already nominated to run against Lunn" - specifically Liberal Briony Penn and New Democrat Julian West - "have strong environmental credentials, are strong advocates for electoral reform, and are not likely to bow down to traditional party politics." And, if the Greens run a candidate in the upcoming election, votes for that individual "could cause the election of (Natural Resources Minister) Gary Lunn, a key player in Stephen Harper's anti-environmental government."

Back in October, Public Eye told you former finance minister Gary Collins had been named a trustee with the Liquor Stores Income Fund - the largest owner of such stores in Canada. But Mr. Collins isn't the only provincial Liberal who has had a stake in British Columbia's private liquor store business - a business that has financially benefited from regulatory changes made by the Campbell administration.

Clark Wilson LLP partner Lyall Knott wears many hats. He's a prominent lawyer, one of the provincial Liberal's best known fundraisers and now, it seems, a mailman of sorts for the liquor industry. According to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, on November 21, 2006, Mr. Knott sent the following note to Solicitor General John Les's executive assistant Don Smukowich: "I enclose herewith a copy of a letter that I have been asked to forward on to the Minister. The letter comes from one of the groups that attended the Dinner. Kindly pass this note along." The letter, whose signatories have been blanked out, suggests a number of "changes to current liquor policies regarding private sector retailing in British Columbia" - including increasing the discount private liquor stores receive when they purchase booze from the government.

Your humble organ has written at length about the Campbell administration's decision to give private liquor stores a price break on the alcohol they purchase from government. But we're not the only ones curious about that decision. According to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, New Democrat caucus research officer James Steidle contacted the liquor distribution branch in January, asking for more information "to help the NDP develop a (sic) official stance on the LRS discount." This, according to an email sent by branch general manager Jay Chambers to Solicitor General John Les's executive assistant Don Smukowich. But, in that email, Mr. Chambers writes he "will not call James Steidle back with the information he is seeking until I get the go ahead from you...If he calls back staff will say that I am unavailable."

Speaking on the Coalition of Progressive Electors, last Thursday 300 supporters showed up for the civic party's summer barbeque at the Rowing Club in Stanley Park. This, according to news release circulated by the coalition. But not mentioned in that release was the fact former councillors Fred Bass, Tim Louis and Anne Roberts didn't attend the celebration. Asked about those absences, coalition external relations co-chair Ellen Woodsworth said, "Tim was sick. He's been sick off and on for a couple weeks. And he's on the executive. And he was at our retreat on Sunday. And he gave regrets." But what about Mr. Bass and Ms. Roberts? "I think they're just kind of taking a pause. They worked really hard. And I think they just wanted to take a bit of a step back for a while and see what will emerge with the new executive."

Provincial New Democrat legislator Gregor Robertson hasn't said whether he'll be running to be Vancouver's mayor. But that hasn't stopping the members of the city's chattering classes from talking to him about the possibility - including Coalition of Progressive Electors external co-chair Ellen Woodsworth. In an interview with Public Eye, Ms. Woodsworth confirmed she encouraged Mr. Robertson be an independent candidate if he puts his name on the ballot during the next civic election. "I think everyone's having conversations with Gregor at this point," Ms. Woodsworth explained. "And we're talking to many different people to see who would be interested, who could run as an independent and get the support of as many people as possible." Nevertheless, it's expected that, if Mr. Robertson did seek the mayoralty, he would do so on Vision Vancouver's ticket.

Donna Knox, children and family development's respected chief operations officer, has left the ministry - just eight months after being appointed to that post. In an email sent to ministry staff, Ms. Knox (who was charged with "oversight of the day-to-day running of the ministry") writes "Over the past several months a combination of personal and professional challenges have caused me to reflect on my future. While I still feel a great deal of energy and commitment to the delivery of public services, I feel that my experience and skill may be better utilized in a completely new environment" - news, which we're sure will come as something of a surprise to children and family development community members.

Those who follow the goings on at children and family development - and we know there's more than a few amongst our readers - will be interested to know a draft of the ministry's long-awaited action plan was circulated last Tuesday to leadership team members. It's not known when that plan will be made available to members of the children and family development community.

As some of capital city readers may know, federal New Democrat Jack Layton and his moustache attended yesterday's Pride Parade celebrations in Victoria - along with his provincial counterpart Carole James. But even though his body was there, his mind appears to have been elsewhere. During his speech at Fisherman's Wharf Park, he referred to Ms. James as the next premier of...er...Ontario. Although, as one wag quipped, that might be more of a possibility than succeeding Gordon Campbell.

When the Campbell administration told private liquor stores they would be getting a break on the price they pay to purchase alcohol from the government, this is how Liquor Barn GP Inc. president and chief executive officer John Mather reacted: "We are pleased with the (British Columbia liquor distribution branch's) announcement, as the increase in the purchase discount rate enhances our overall operational flexibility, and is expected to increase our gross profit." But, by the time January came around, this is what the Alliance of Beverage Licensees was telling British Columbians: "ABLE BC is please to announce that as a result of the forthcoming new wholesale pricing model from the provincial government, consumers will not only continue to enjoy the service and convenience from their local private liquor store, but can look forward to paying lower prices in the future." And that messaging suited the government just fine.

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, former Terminal City columnist Brian Salmi discusses his new book Booze Up And Riot and the necessity of gonzo journalism. Former Green candidate Jack Etkin talks about his bid for the provincial party's leadership. And Mary Polak, parliamentary secretary for the conversation on health, shares her thoughts on the state of that discussion. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.

Last year, the ministry of children and family development's leadership team went on a retreat at The Grand Okangan Resort and Conference Centre in Kelowna. And, according to meeting minutes obtained by Public Eye, the ministry made a transcript of the proceedings - which included discussions about everything from the "DM's accessibility" to the team's "roles and responsibilities." But the funny thing is, the government can't seem to find that transcript. In response to a subsequent freedom of information request for the document, the ministry's information, privacy and records services branch writes "an extensive search was made for the transcript that was mentioned in the October 2006 Leadership Retreat minutes. I regret to inform you that this transcript could not be located." Fancy that!

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration told private liquor stores they would be getting a break on the price they pay to purchase alcohol from the government. But the administration didn't issue a news release about that cut - which will cost taxpayers up to $31.1 million in lost revenue. Speaking on Public Eye Radio, Consumer Association of Canada president Bruce Cran said, “I think we could be forgiven for thinking this was conducted in secrecy. I don't think this (discount increase) is something the government should be proud of - and obviously they weren't.” But solicitor general communications director Karen Johnston said her minister John Les announced the cut during a speech to the BC Hospitality Industry Conference and Exposition - “not a secret conference.” The following is a complete copy of the speaking notes for that announcement.

Earlier, we reported Ben West would be running for the leadership of the provincial Greens. And so is Esquimalt councillor Jane Sterk - as first reported by Monday Magazine's Andrew Macleod. But who else is stepping up to the starting line? Well, you'd think the Greens would have announced those names by now - since the candidates had to get their applications in by June 30. But no such announcement has been forthcoming. So it seems the party is counting on your humble organ to make that announcement for them. So be it. In an interview with Public Eye, the party's former external liason Silvaine Zimmerman confirmed she's submitted her nomination papers. And our understanding is that former Vancouver-Point Grey candidate Damian Kettlewell has also filled out an application - as well as Victoria activist Jack Etkin.

The Western Canada Wilderness Committee is asking the premier's deputy minister to explain what qualifies Graham Whitmarsh to be British Columbia's top climate change bureaucrat. Earlier, Public Eye exclusively reported Mr. Whitmarsh has at least 14 years of experience working in the airline information technology and aerospace industries - including a stint at former finance minister Gary Collins's old company Harmony Airways. But Internet and newspaper database searches show no reference to Whitmarsh being involved in any carbon trading or climate action work. And that's what concerns the wilderness committee.

Earlier, we reported the Campbell administration decided to cut the price private liquor stores have to pay to purchase alcohol from the government without first telling the public. But they weren't keeping any secrets from industry players. In letters dated November 20, 2006, liquor distribution branch executive director Roger Bissoondatt told licensee retail stores, breweries, import beer warehousers and wineries, the provincial government would be making that cut. This, according to records obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request. The cut will cost the government up to $31.1 million in lost revenue. The following is an edited copy of one of those letters.

The federal government will be making a major announcement in Victoria next Monday at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. The event will feature National Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor, Chuck Strahl - British Columbia's political minister - and, possibly, Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Conservative staffers were spotted doing advance work for the announcement earlier today.

"The pre-eminent BBQ event of the summer season" - at least among British Columbia Conservatives - won't be happening this year. Gerry St. Germain's annual barbeque was attended by more than 1,500 fellow travellers last August, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper. But we're told problems securing parking for the event means it has been put on hiatus until 2008.

Ben West says the fact he knows the provincial Greens "inside and out" makes him the right candidate to lead the party. In a wide-ranging interview yesterday on Public Eye Radio, Mr. West - the party's former outreach coordinator - says he's "in regular communication with many of our members. So that puts me in a good position to be able to get the ball rolling, in terms of getting our party where it needs to be. But, beyond that, I'm also a film maker and a relatively experienced communicator - which, I think, puts me in a good place to sort of start talking to people in ways that they're not accustom to, to try to redefine the party and to reach out to some groups that we haven't been as effective as we could be in speaking to like youth, for example."

This morning, on Public Eye Radio, The Tyee's Monte Paulsin joins us to discuss the homelessness probloem in Vancouver. Consumer Association of Canada president Bruce Cran weighs in on new details about how the provincial government is propping up the private liquor store industry. And Ben West discusses his run for the Green leadership. Also on the show: our rabble-rousing panel - Don Anderson, Alex Tsakumis, Bob Russell and Allan Warnke - debate the week that was in provincial and federal politics. You can listen to Public Eye Radio outside of Victoria by logging into CFAX 1070 between 8:30 and 10:00. If you have a question for one of our guests, you can email us, leave a comment below or phone (250) 386-1161 during the show.